Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the widely celebrated festivals in Hindu tradition. This is one such festival where everyone across religions participate and enjoy the festival. This festival is celebrated with great devotion to Lord Ganesha or Ganapati. It is observed on Hindu calendar day of Shukla chaturthi (waxing moon) of Bhadrapada month.

Celebration involves worship of Lord Ganesha idols made of clay with entire family. These idols are installed in individual houses or in public places. Priest will be called to invoke godliness in the idol amid vedic chants. The idol will be decorated with flowers. It is believed that offering ‘Durva’ leaves (trefoil) or blade of grass is very auspicious on this day. Lord Ganesha loves Durva leaves. Ganesha’s favourite food ‘Modak’ is offered. After all the worship, the Ganesha idol is immersed in a well or river or sea according to their convenience.

Lord Ganesha is known as the remover of obstacles and giver of fortune. He is the lord of wisdom and prosperity. Praying to Lord Ganesha leads to fulfillment of desires and wishes.

Mythology

Once Goddess Parvati, created Ganesha out of sandalwood paste and gave him life. Then she told him to guard the door while she was bathing. After sometime, Lord Shiva returned home and he saw a stranger at home. Lord Ganesha did not allow Shiva to go inside house. Outraged by this behaviour, angry Shiva cut off ganpati’s head. Later he realized his mistake from Parvati. So he immediately sent his ganas to bring any living being which is facing the north. They found one elephant sleeping with head facing towards north. They brought its head to Shiva and in turn Shiva fixed the head to the Ganesha’s body. Then he restored the life in the body.